Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), aka Ubiquinone, is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria, and it plays an essential role in their functioning. CoQ10 is required to convert fats and sugars into cellular energy (ATP). 

CoQ10 can be found in high concentration in the heart, but also in the skeletal, liver, kidney and reproductive organs.

CoQ10 also works as an antioxidant, i.e. it can neutralize free radicals and reduce the damage caused by them to the body.

CoQ10 can be obtained by eating fish like salmon and tuna, organ meats, and whole grains. Yet, the natural production of CoQ10 declines with age or in individuals whose health condition is impaired. In these cases, the dietary intake of CoQ10 might not be able to supply enough CoQ10 as needed and a supplmentation can be required.

Several studies performed over the years have suggested that a nutritional supplementation of CoQ10 can be useful to help individuals with several health concerns, such as:

• heart disease - research have suggested that CoQ10 can be helpful because of its ability to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant
• heart failure (HF) - several clinical studies suggests that CoQ10 supplements help reduce swelling in the legs, enhance breathing by reducing fluid in the lungs, and increase exercise capacity in people with HF.
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• periodontal (gum) disease.

Moreover, it has been suggesed that CoQ10 might:

• improve immune function in individuals with immune deficiencies and chronic infections
• ba a part of the treatment for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
• reduce damage from stroke
• delay the aging process and increase longevity

References:
Aberg,F.et al. (1992)Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 295, 230-234
Berbel-Garcia, A.; et al. (July 2004). "Coenzyme Q 10 improves lactic acidosis, strokelike episodes, and epilepsy in a patient with MELAS". Clinical Neuropharmacology 27: 187–191.
Berman M, Erman A, Ben Gal T, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in patients with end-stage heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Cardiol 2004;27(5):295-299.
Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med J 2001;94(11):1112-1117.
Cupp MJ and Tracy TS. Chapter 4: Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone, Ubidecarenone), pp 53-85 in Dietary Supplements edited by Cupp MJ and Tracy TS Humana press, Totowa, New Jersey (2003)
Dutton PL, Ohnishi T, Darrouzet E, Leonard, MA, Sharp RE, Cibney BR, Daldal F and Moser CC. 4 Coenzyme Q oxidation reduction reactions in mitochondrial electron transport (pp 65-82) in Coenzyme Q: Molecular mechanisms in health and disease edited by Kagan VE and Quinn PJ, CRC Press (2000), Boca Raton
Ernster L, Dallner G: Biochemical, physiological and medical aspects of ubiquinone function. Biochim Biophys Acta 1271: 195-204, 1995
Ghirlanda G, Oradei A, Manto A, Lippa S, Uccioli L, Caputo S, Greco A, Littarru G (1993). "Evidence of plasma CoQ10-lowering effect by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study". J Clin Pharmacol 33 (3): 226–9.
Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, et al. Coenzyme Q(10) improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56(11):1137-1142.
Langsjoen H, Langsjoen P, Langsjoen P, et al. Usefulness of coenzyme Q10 in clinical cardiology: a long-term study. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:s165-s175.
Morisco C, Trimarco B, Condorelli M. Effect of coenzyme Q10 therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term multicenter randomized study. Clin Investig 1993;71(8 Suppl):S134-S136.
Rosenfeldt FL, Haas SJ, Krum H, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. J Hum Hypertens 2007 Apr;21(4):297-306.
Sarter B (2002). "Coenzyme Q10 and cardiovascular disease: a review". J Cardiovasc Nurs 16 (4): 9–20.
Shindo, Y., Witt, E., Han, D., Epstein, W., and Packer, L., Enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants in epidermis and dermis of human skin, Invest. Dermatol., 102 (1994) 122-124.
Shults CW, Oakes D, Kieburtz K, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Arch Neurol 2002;59(10):1541-1550.
Singh RB, Wander GS, Rastogi A, et al. Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998;12(4):347-353.
















WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disesase treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.